Total retail spend in New Zealand for the 28 days ending 28 May 2017 was $3.7 billion. This was a decrease of 0.2% compared to April and an increase of 4.3% when compared to the same period last year.

Spending was up in all but one of the twelve categories year on year, with the Books & Stationery Stores category exhibiting a decrease of 3.7%.

Compared to April, six categories experienced decreases in spend. The largest decrease was seen in Home & Building Supplies (-6.4%), followed by Liquor Stores (-5.1%), and Fuel & Service Stations (-3.4%). Despite the year on year decrease, Books & Stationery Stores saw the largest month on month increase (+12.4%).